Qualifications and experience
- Are you board-certified in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery? (Yes, with a recognised national board.)
- How many of this specific procedure do you perform per year? (Look for at least 50 per year for major procedures.)
- Are you a member of ISAPS, ASPS or BAAPS? (At least one international society membership.)
- How long have you been performing this specific procedure? (Minimum 5 years for technically demanding cases.)
- May I see before-and-after photos of patients with my body type? (You should see at least 20 cases.)
Facility and team
- Where will my surgery take place? (A named JCI-accredited or equivalent hospital — not an outpatient clinic.)
- Who is the anaesthetist? (A consultant-grade anaesthesiologist, named.)
- What level of post-operative monitoring do I have? (Overnight monitored bed minimum; ICU available if needed.)
- What happens if there is a complication during surgery? (Clear, specific protocols.)
- Will you personally perform every part of the operation? (Yes — not delegated to a trainee.)
Outcomes and revision
- What is your complication rate for this procedure? (A real number, not 'very low'.)
- What is your revision rate? (Honest answer between 5% and 15% for most procedures.)
- What is your revision policy if I am not happy with the result? (Defined timeframe, defined cost.)
- Can you connect me with previous patients of mine who would speak to me? (Most can, with patient consent.)
- What results should I realistically expect? (Specific, not hyped.)
Aftercare and contact
- How long will I stay in Istanbul after surgery? (At least 7–10 days for major procedures.)
- Can I contact you directly after surgery? (Yes — WhatsApp or email.)
- What follow-up appointments are scheduled? (At week 1, week 6, month 3, month 6, month 12.)
- Do you have a referral doctor in my country for emergencies? (Reassuring if yes.)
- What is included in the price, and what is not? (A detailed written breakdown — every item itemised.)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What if a surgeon refuses to answer some of these questions?+
Walk away. Every reasonable question above is answered openly by a serious surgeon. Evasion on qualifications, hospital or revision policy is a red flag.
Is it rude to ask about complication rates?+
No — it is professional. Surgeons who track their outcomes know their numbers. The answer 'I don't measure that' is itself an answer.
Should I ask in person or by email?+
Both. Some questions (photos, written quote, hospital name) are best on email so you have a record. Others (rapport, communication style) you only assess in a video or in-person consultation.
What if multiple surgeons give different recommendations?+
Get a third opinion. Differences in technique are normal; major differences in surgical plan suggest you need more clarity on what is actually appropriate for your anatomy.
Explore further
Continue your research on the clinic site
Next step
Interested in learning whether this procedure is right for you?
Schedule a personalised consultation with Dr. Ümmü Gülsüm Barutcu in Istanbul to discuss your goals and receive a tailored treatment plan.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gülsüm Barutcu
Dr. Ümmü Gülsüm Barutcu
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon · Istanbul, Turkey
Dr. Barutcu cares for international patients with an emphasis on personalised planning, ethical decision-making and natural-looking outcomes. Her practice is built on patient safety, informed consent and an unhurried approach to every consultation.
Last reviewed: 25 May 2026
